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ZEBULON - American Legion Pike Post 197 hosted the annual Memorial Day event on the Square in Zebulon on May 25, 2015. Pike County Arts Council Junior Players performed the National Anthem and America the Beautiful during the ceremony. The Honor Guard from the Pike County Sheriff's Office posted the colors for the program.
Hester Jones laid the wreath in honor of her husband, Ed Jones. The wreath was donated by Mrs. Janice Hay Califf. Jones has served this country proudly in WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.
About 70 citizens from the Pike County community gathered on the courthouse square to honor those who have given the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our country. "Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends," John 15:13.
Commander Payton gave examples of fallen heroes who are more than just statistics. "They are real people, with real families, who lived in real communities," he said. "We can best honor their sacrifice by remembering their families, who have lost so much. Long after the battlefield guns have been silenced and the bombs stop exploding, the children of our fallen warriors will still be missing a parent. Spouses will be without their life partners. Parents will continue to grieve for their heroic sons and daughters that died way too early."
He urged those in the audience to be there for those who have lost loved ones. "Nobody can replace these fallen heroes... but we can offer shoulders to cry on, assistance with educational expenses and assurances that their loved one's sacrifice will not be forgotten." Payton said that Americans must remember that freedom isn't free and that freedom is only possible "because our fallen heroes have paid its high price."
Pike Post 197 is part of the American Legion and has pledged "to preserve the memories and incidents of our associations of the Great Wars." The American Legion and American Legion Pike Post 197 has always shown great pride in our nation's fallen heroes and unwavering support for those who are sent in harm's way for the preservation of our country.
"We owe it to the heroes that died and the loved ones left behind to make sure that their sacrifices are remembered and that their service to this nation always be honored," said Legion Commander Bill Payton, Sr.
He said that it is not enough to remember our fallen once a year. "The widows, widowers, fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, and children remember every day."
Click here to read more about the origins of Memorial Day.
Click here to see photos from the 2014 Memorial Day Remembrance on the Zebulon Square with American Legion Pike Post 197.
